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You are in: HOME · PAMPLONA-IRUÑA (NAVARRA) · RIVER WALK OF THE ARGA SECTION OF THE MAGDALENA

Following the course of the Leñadas

The river Arga from its origins in the Forests of Quinto Real until its mouth in the river Aragón, shortly before arriving at the Ebro, crosses from north to south the Navarras lands forming part of them at the same time that it leaves its mark there where it passes. Historical and cultural footprint that are added to the natural one whose importance does not leave any doubt. Footprints that we can discover and enjoy along the River Walk of the Arga in its section of the Bridge of the Magdalena.

River Walk of the Arga Section of the Magdalena

The route, with 11.6 km, begins in the recreational area of Iturgaiz Bridge, also known as the Bridge of Irotz which, built there in the twelfth century under the protection of the French Way of St. James, has seen the passage of countless pilgrims on their way to the tomb of the apostle. This bridge is the starting point, or end depending on how you look at it, of this River Walk of the Arga, which brings us quickly to the foothills of Zabaldika where, if we deviate, awaits us its church of San Esteban of the thirteenth century, that to its almost unalterable original architecture we have to add the real treasures that it keeps inside, such as its mythical bells. The river and these lands have been and are closely linked to the Way of Saint James and at each step we will find signs of this union. Although both routes separate when reaching the recreational area of Zabaldika, one heading towards Trinidad de Arre and the other following the course of the river, there will be several times when they will meet again, to the point that there are not a few pilgrims who choose the river walk as their official Way to Pamplona. The river, in its course through the Esteribar valley and more specifically as it passes through these lands, draws a whimsical riverbed that has given rise to fertile meanders where different towns have settled.

Caparroso Mill

Localities such as Huarte have taken advantage of their resources to see industries linked to the river flourish, such as the timber industry that used the riverbed to transport valleys under the large trunks of the lush forests of the Navarrese Pyrenees. Mills such as Atea, Atondoa or La Peña, together with the network of strategically located dams, have allowed man to take advantage of the strength of the river for his own benefit. But this fluvial stroll of the Arga is something more than all that, the nature also knows how to take advantage of the resources of the river giving an unbeatable home to a nourished number of different animal and vegetable species that find around the Arga everything that they need. In Huarte there are several historic bridges that cross the river communicating both banks, bridges such as Artadiburua or Calvario and Dorraburu Bridge whose medieval origin tells the long history that was forged around the river. The river that bids farewell to Huarte and at the same time enters Villava, it twins with the river Ulzama. This is where the Molino de San Andrés is located, a hydraulic complex that for years has used the strength of the river first to grind wheat or corn and then to generate power as a hydroelectric plant. Not far from here is the Batán de Villava, which next to the Molino de San Andrés shows us today with its exhibitions and interpretation centers the importance that the river had in the lives of the people who lived here.

River Arga

From here we only have a pleasant walk along the banks of the Arga that will take us to visit Burlada de soslayo, where the French Way of Saint James will greet us again for a moment. A route that will allow us to contemplate the silhouette of Pamplona, its slender cathedral and its defensive line like imposing walls. Not before stopping for a moment at the bend where the Caparroso Mill is located, today a brand-new sailing club. Or venture into the well-known footbridge that crosses the zigzagging Arga, before heading in search of the end of this stretch. Once again, the river makes clear its important communion with the Way of Saint James when we meet it again shortly before reaching the Bridge of La Magdalena, through which the Way of Saint James enters Pamplona. Here the point is put and followed to this Fluvial Stroll of the Arga that extends along the course of the river to its passage by Pamplona arriving even until well surpassed the city.

The Trick

If you decide to go up to the viewpoint of Erripagaña, you don't need to go back on your steps because once up you can go down the other slope until you reach the next bridge that communicates with the River Walk, you can do this regardless of the direction in which you are traveling the route.

How to get to Irotz

As far as Irotz we arrive following the N-135 between Pamplona-Iruña and Roncesvalles-Orreaga, turning off shortly after crossing Zabaldika, as we come from Pamplona, along the road that goes up to our right towards this town and almost at the moment we find the recreational area of the Bridge of Irotz where we can leave our vehicle. We also have a bus service from Monday to Saturday, which makes the journey Pamplona-Roncesvalles, with a stop in Zabaldika, another service is Pamplona-Zubiri-Eugui, this one from Monday to Friday.

Pet area, hiking with my dog

Ideal walk to accustom our friend to the walks and the countryside. We could classify it as an urban footpath, with its advantages and disadvantages like the cement in all its layout. The fluvial park has stipulated a series of norms among which is the necessity to take the tied up mascots.

The water is almost guaranteed and not by the presence of a river to which it is not advisable that we let our companion enter, in the few places where he could arrive to do it, but by the recreational zones in which we will find points of water or the localities to which we can approach to obtain what we need.

The presence of pets is also habitual in this Fluvial Walk of the Arga, to which we have to add the dogs that guard the lands next to those that we will pass. In addition it is not strange to find with the fauna that inhabits in the bank of the river.

Route description

The recreational area of Iturgaiz Bridge (0h 00min) or Irotz Bridge as it is also known is the starting point of this River Walk of the Arga corresponding to the section that will take us to the Bridge of the Magdalena.

We begin the River Walk of the Arga Section of the Bridge of La Magdalena

Leaving to our right the footpath by where the Way of Santiago Francés transits, which will be something more than our companion of route, we follow the conditioned way that runs following the descending course of the river Arga.

The route is perfectly conditioned

River that undoubtedly is the undisputed protagonist of this route. This comfortable route takes us quickly to the vicinity of Zabaldika, without getting close enough to walk its streets.

We left Zabaldika on our right

At this point there are many pilgrims who join us because for a short period of time we will coincide with the official route of the French Way of Saint James. We follow the cement track, which makes us leave behind the nearby town, heading towards the next recreational area through which we will pass.

We passed under the road

Before reaching it, thanks to the tunnel that avoids us crossing the road, we will pass to its other side where, now, the Zabaldika recreational area awaits us.

We cross the bridge over the Arga

Here we will say goodbye to the pilgrims who follow the official Way away from the river. Our route, as soon as we reach the area, turns round to the left and follows for a few meters the road leading to the area, making us cross the river Arga.

We go back to the cement track.

As soon as you cross the road, just before you see yourself in the middle of the road, the cement track begins again on your right, and you have to continue along it.

We're still close to the road.

This route chosen by some pilgrims, especially cyclists, resumes the course of the river following its whimsical course. This stretch plays with us, taking us away from the road for a moment and then coming back to it.

We ascend towards the road

The perfect cement track gives way to a dirt road which we will climb in search of the road again.

We continue again for the walk

When we reach its height we will find a typical crossing of the Way of Saint James and the resumption of the cement track that we have to follow. The vegetation of the riverbank accompanies us on our walk, while alternating fields and pavilions on our left.

We passed under another road

Once again the road approaches us, this time to say goodbye definitively as we head towards Huarte. The meanders drawn by the river have been used for crop fields that have given way to industrial pavilions next to which we pass.

The route has no major difficulties

A small milestone indicates our next arrival in Huarte, although we will have to cross the river again.

We crossed the Arga

Shortly after passing this milestone we reach the height of the bridge over which we will cross the Arga to cross the other bank of the meander where Huarte sits.

The walk continues on the left

From this point onwards, the urban areas next to the magnificent riverside orchards take on a greater role in the route. The route continues for now without separating from the river that continues to serve as a perfect guide.

We continue along the river

Whenever the river allows it, we save the street that enters the town, passing through one of the eyes of the bridge on which it is supported.

We go along the meander of Huarte

This area delights us with a pleasant walk between the Arga and the orchards that take advantage of its fertile banks.

The way forward is not lost

The perfect track leads us without complications, not letting us doubt at any time the right course to follow.

The river is always to our left

The wide curve drawn by the river, which we always carry to our left, at least for now, forces us to travel almost from side to side the limits of Huarte.

The cement way serves as a reference to follow

We leave behind some houses to head towards a sports complex that we have to pass, following at all times the marked layout of the cement track we arrived on.

We passed under another road

The route takes us around this complex, taking us to a new pass under another street where we will continue.

We cross the Arga again

Shortly after passing under this street we arrive at a bifurcation where our itinerary crosses the river again, bidding farewell to the town of Huarte. This area, a little further away from the river, cuts this new meander in which we find ourselves.

We cross the street

The route crosses the street that leads to one of the old bridges that cross the Arga to follow its unalterable course between orchards and fields.

Another bridge

This section takes us back to a new bridge where we will cross again to the other side of the river, which still runs separate from us.

The itinerary follows on our left

The itinerary now passes through an urbanization in search of entering the term of Villava. This long street takes us without detours between the parcels that compose this urbanization.

As always, we follow the cement way

A while later, when our street seems to come to an end, the route deviates to the left towards another of the old bridges over the Arga.

We're still on the right.

Although shortly before arriving at it it deviates once again, to descend in search of the underpass that allows us to cross the road that a moment ago cut the street we were passing.

We arrived at the San Andrés Mill

As soon as we leave this pass we will see in front of us the Mill of San Andrés (1h 45min) towards which we are heading.

To cross another bridge

After enjoying this historical place we will continue our march that will take us to cross a new bridge, just at the same time that the Ulzama river joins with the Arga.

The river will continue to accompany us

Together the two rivers, we are preparing to travel the river park that runs along its shore. This quiet stretch continues at all times, leaving the nearby river to its left, without leaving any room for doubt.

We always take the river to our left

Those who wish to do so will have the chance to take a small detour to cross a new bridge and climb to a spectacular lookout point from which they can contemplate the arrival of the Arga River Promenade in Pamplona, a promenade that they can take up again later.

We are approaching Pamplona

The rest of us will not leave the careful walk dotted with small rest areas where you can enjoy the environment that surrounds us.

We didn't separate from the river at any time.

We left behind the bridge where those who went up to the viewpoint returned to continue the course marked by the conditioned walk. Once again we have to pass under another road, this time the one that leads to Burlada.

We go straight on

This town encourages us to visit it, but the route barely touches it.

We get together for a moment with the French Way of Saint James

The itinerary meets the French Way of Saint James again for a moment, before saying goodbye to it and returning in search of the river.

We go straight on

In front of us we have the final part of the River Walk of the Arga in its section of the Bridge of the Magdalena. Section in which we will not separate from the Arga at any time.

Pamplona is already beginning to be seen

The proximity of the capital means that there are several roads or crossroads that we will come across. In all of them the itinerary continues without detours heading towards the next objective we have to pass.

We still don't separate from the river

The silhouette of Pamplona has been with us for some time now as we continue to explore recreational areas that alternate with orchard plots. The Caparroso Mill (2h 40min) shows us the proximity of the end of this route at the same time that allows us to enjoy the beautiful corner where it is located.

We follow the walk along the river Arga

The walk that brought us here ends with the park that precedes the Magdalena Bridge.

The French Way of Saint James unites us once again

Shortly before reaching this historic bridge, the gateway to Pamplona, we will once again join the route of the French Way of Saint James that crosses the Bridge of La Magdalena (2h 45min) on its way to the centre of Pamplona.

We arrive at the Bridge of La Magdalena

Here, the River Walk of the Arga stops and continues along its route, which continues without crossing the Arga, following its course through Pamplona.

Technical data sheet of the route

ico-distancia-totalDistance. 11,6Km

The route offers different alternatives that undoubtedly make this figure change depending on our itinerary.

ico-tiempo-totalTime. 2:45h

If we decide to take the detour that ascends to the lookout point, it will take us a little longer to make the route, not because of the difference in distance, which is almost minimal, but because of the slope that we will have to bridge, which will require a greater effort and will undoubtedly affect the total time of the route.

ico-calendarioTime of year

Without a doubt it is a route to be able to enjoy it all the year, only we will have to inform us of its situation and to be careful when the Arga goes down grown since we do not stop transiting next to the bank of a river with zones that can be floodable.

ico-materialRequired equipment

Being a practically urban route, with a firm in perfect condition and well-conditioned, even with public toilets, does not require at least initially and in normal conditions anything special beyond conditioning our clothes and footwear to the time of year in which we travel. Even so, it is not superfluous to carry some water just in case and protection against the sun that cannot be missing whenever we go for a walk. The camera is undoubtedly another good idea since we will know beautiful corners and part of the history of this area and its people. Consult our list of material and equipment for hiking. Read more.

ico-dificultadDifficulty. Medium

Physical

Initially only the mileage could represent a problem for someone who is not accustomed to walking, as the slope is virtually non-existent or even negative, as long as we do not climb to the lookout whose ramps are of entity.

Caution

We will have to be attentive to the bicycles that transit by this stroll since they are usually numerous. For the rest, and in normal conditions, we are in front of a perfectly conditioned route that hardly touches areas where we are near the traffic and that saves by means of bridges or tunnels the crossroads of highways.

Orientation

Well signposted, it is the perfect state of the route that will most guide us in our walk. In fact they are enough the signs with which we will be finding when coinciding several walks or ramales with ours, this, next to the marks of the Way of Santiago, can make us doubt in some occasion but to good sure the course of the river and our common sense will solve these doubts.

Important places to pass through
NAME PLACE OF PASS TIME TO HIM ALTITUDE DISTANCE COORDINATES UTM
1-Iturgaiz Bridge 0:00h 462m 0Km 30T 616450 4746256
2-San Andrés Mill 1:45h 421m 7.4Km 30T 614060 4742776
3-Caparroso Mill 2:40h 416m 11.1Km 30T 611541 4741412
4-Magdalena Bridge 2:45h 416m 11.6Km 30T 611365 4741854

Coordinates UTM Datum WGS84

Profile of the route

Profile of the River Walk of the Arga Section of La Magdalena

ico-desnivel-acumuladoSlope: 224m

ico-desnivel-positivoSlope +: 89m

ico-desnivel-negativoSlope -: 135m

ico-altitud-maximaMaximum altitude: 462m

ico-altitud-minimaMinimum altitude: 416m

Cartography, maps and tracks

Map of the route of the River Walk of the Arga Section of La Magdalena

This sketch of the route is not made to scale nor does it contain all the information relating to the area, it is merely indicative.

Topographic map with the route River Walk of the Arga Section of La Magdalena

IGN

This schematic with the path is approximate and has been created from the derived cartographic base © Instituto Geográfico Nacional "Cuadrante 141-2 y 115-4, 1:25.000"

Senditur has manipulated the tracks to correct the aberrant points that may exist, caused by problems with the reception of the GPS signal. In any case the tracks are always approximate. SENDITUR encourages you to use the new technologies within your reach, using them as support and consultation in your activity, not basing the realization and orientation of the same only and exclusively on them, since they may see their functioning altered by very diverse causes, not functioning correctly and their indications may not be precise.

FILE AND TRACKS
Bridge of La Magdalena
Panoramic view of Pamplona-Iruña
River Arga
Viewpoint of Erripagaña
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LOCALITIES
CURIOSITIES

¿Did you know that...

The Mill of San Andrés dates from 1541 and maintained its activity until well into the twentieth century. In addition, a short distance from it joins the French Way and the Baztan Way that runs through this beautiful region of Navarre.

Don't miss out...

The panoramic view that can be enjoyed from the top of the hill where the viewpoint of Erripagaña is located and that can glimpse, almost in its entirety, the layout of the River Walk as well as the silhouette of Pamplona and its cathedral.

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This route has been carried out in the field by SENDITUR on 27-03-2016. The route may vary greatly depending on the time of year, weather conditions and terrain, as well as the actions of third parties and the evolution suffered in the natural environment where it is located. All opinions, advice and/or assessments made by SENDITUR in their descriptions are for guidance only and are subject to and/or refer to the specific conditions of the specific day of the route, referring to that specific day, taken from trained people, with the appropriate experience and with a high level of physical and technical preparation as a reference, as well as correctly equipped.

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